Penzeys Spices

The long awaited (by me anyway) opening of Penzey's Spices((www.penzeys.com) in Omaha has finally taken place-it was worth the wait.

Located in what was formerly an Asian import store down the street from the Nebraska Furniture Mart (and directly across the street from Russell Stover, (where I used to buy 50 lb. Bags of rice at bargain prices). They pretty much gutted the place and started anew. The result is a light, spacious environment for browsing where there is adequate space between displays (important when trying to avoid knocking down hundreds of jars of spices). If you go, take a look down at the neat effect they achieved by painting the cement floor.

The help was friendly and helpful without hovering-something, which more often than not sends me out the door without a purchase. I don't know how much cooking the help actually do, but they had studied-up on their herbs and spices and had at least textbook, if not anecdotal information to pass along.

I was there on a weekday morning and it was pleasantly empty save for two middle-aged couples (I should talk!) who appeared to be making a destination of it. The displays are well organised and have suitable descriptions of the spices. I was put-off a bit by the pre-mixed items like bouquet garni (for crying out loud, buy some cheesecloth, and make your own) and rubs, but for Indian dishes, some of the pre-mixed curry powders make sense as not everyone keeps coriander and fenugreek on hand.

Years ago (over a decade, at least) we'd ordered something from Penzey's when they were strictly by post. I can't remember what, though knowing my husband it was probably something like asafetida for making some frightening thing I likely refused to eat. As a result, their catalogues kept arriving and though we never ordered from them again, we'd fantasise about being wealthy enough for the "good" saffron. Their catalogue prices were expensive, and with shipping, ordering from Penzy's was not something you would do for everyday spice items, as the cost would quickly become prohibitive.

I'm pleased to say their prices have become much more affordable. In fact, you'll find them competitive with most supermarket spices. That is not to say I'd encourage purchasing very common items there. When I need cumin, or black peppercorns, or bay leaves, I go to the Mediterranean Foods shop in Omaha, located in a tiny strip mall just behind the Shriner's headquarters. The street address would mean nothing, as it is off of main roads. There is also a Goodwill and in the next parking lot, a fabric store, and Salvation Army. You'd drive right past it if not looking-but it is definitely worth looking for. Their prices are terrific, the family that runs the place is lovely, and it is one of the few places in Nebraska where I can reliably purchase salt cod of good quality. They have fresh feta cheese in many varieties, olives and if you're not watching your waistline, halvah (fresh sesame paste candy cut to order from a large, cheese-like wheel). .

Among the items I purchased at Penzey's was a small container of dried tarragon. Comparing it side-by side with what I already had, there is little to compare-they are entirely different products. The Penzey's tarragon was fresh and green and actually smelled like something (um, it smelled like tarragon). With their reputation (built up over the years with catalogue sales) on the line, the retail stores are delivering with first quality spices. I wouldn't purchase a vanilla bean anywhere else (they come beautifully packaged in a glass vial to protect the fragile pod).

One last note is that they have anticipated young children wanting to run about the store and touch things. Someone used their noggin' and set-up a small table and chairs stocked with crayons and paper-a very welcome sight.

And no, I'm not getting paid, or compensated in saffron threads (though I wouldn't decline them if offered just as a general kindness) to review the place (no "Buzz Marketing" from this blogger).